A notorious former prison rioter is back behind bars for trying to kill a neighbour.Sammy "The Bear" Ralston brutally stabbed Stewart Anderson at the flats in Shettleston, Glasgow on October 29 2022 and has been jailed for eight years.The now 61 year-old was infamously a ringleader of a six-day siege and riot at the former Peterhead jail in 1987 which saw prison guards held hostage.Ralston was a convicted armed robber.
He also took part in a similar incident in HMP Barlinnie.The Rangers fan was also infamously photographed at the 1980 Hampden riot Scottish Cup final standing over a Celtic fan who’d been struck with a bottle.Ralston was today sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.
He had earlier been convicted of the attempted murder of Mr Anderson.A number of associates - including reformed underworld figure Ian "Blink" MacDonald as well as Joe Steele, one of the men wrongly jailed for the Glasgow Ice Cream Wars murders in 1984 - were in court to support him.As well as the jail term, Judge John McCormick also ordered Ralston be supervised for a further two years on his release.The judge told him: "This was an attack on your neighbour with a weapon in his own home."It is fortuitous that Mr Anderson’s life was not directly put at risk."Due to the gravity of the offences and prior criminal record, I will ensure the public are protected from serious harm when you are released."Ralston had denied the murder bid charge.
But, he was convicted of repeatedly striking his neighbour on the head and body with a knife.Donald Findlay KC, defending, said Ralston continued to protest his innocence.The advocate told Judge McCormick: "You are aware Mr Ralston has a record.
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